Audi's 2014 R18 LMP1 will pack an electric turbocharger

Electricity can also drive the turbo, eliminating lag.

Despite the arrival of its corporate cousins at Porsche, Audi will be defending its Le Mans and World Endurance Championships in the LMP1 prototype class with a redesigned version of the all-conquering R18 e-tron quattro. Built to conform to the new 2014 technical regulations, the new R18 now features two hybrid energy recovery systems, including an electric turbocharger that is at least superficially similar to the ones on the new Formula 1 cars.

Like the current R18, the new model carries on with an electromechanical flywheel for energy storage and a front axle-mounted motor-generator unit to capture kinetic energy during braking. What's new is the turbocharging system to capture waste heat from the diesel engine exhaust gases.